Renowned celebrity chef José Andrés clapped back after Donald Trump claimed that he was fired. The 47th President, shortly after taking office, began a mass purge of former government officials. The only problem, however, is that Andres claims he had already quit before Trump’s firing spree.
The drama began on Monday after Trump was sworn into office. On his Truth Social platform, he boasted of plans to remove “over a thousand Presidential Appointees from the previous Administration who were not aligned with our vision to Make America Great Again.” He listed four names, including Andrés, who was appointed to the President’s Council on Sports, Fitness and Nutrition in 2022 by Joe Biden. Trump described his post as an “Official Notice of Dismissal,” adding his signature slang, “YOU’RE FIRED!” to the announcement.
The Spanish-American restaurateur, however, responded to the president’s post, denying that he was fired. “I submitted my resignation last week… My 2 year term was already up,” Andrés slammed. He expressed pride over his appointment and praised his former colleagues on the council for the good work done. Andrés then made a plea to President Trump, writing:
“I hope @realdonaldtrump exercises his presidential authority so the Council can continue to advocate for fitness and good health for all Americans. These are bipartisan issues… nonpartisan issues.”
He continued, “May God give you the wisdom, Mr. President, to put politics and name calling aside… and instead lift up the everyday people working to bring America together. Let’s build longer tables.”
Who Is Chef José Andrés & Why Did Donald Trump Fire Him?
Andrés is popularly known for his humanitarian work as the founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK). The non-profit was founded in 2010 to provide meals to those impacted by and working on the frontlines of global crises, from war zones to natural disasters. Last year, seven aid workers lost their lives while serving on the frontlines in Gaza. Most recently, Andrés and his team stepped up to mobilize free meals for victims of the ongoing California fires.
Hence, it is no surprise Biden bestowed the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the 55-year-old weeks before Trump assumed office. However, it seems Andrés’s impressive track record doesn’t impress the Republican leader, and there is a reason why.
Per reports, they previously butted heads in 2015. The famous chef pulled out of building a restaurant on Trump’s property after the latter publicly criticized Mexicans in 2015. It resulted in a nasty legal battle settled after two years. It is unclear if this played a role in Trump’s termination, but citizens online are appalled by the decision.
“One of the greatest humanitarians of this age. But Trump doesn’t like that because he’s all about cruelty and grievance. Andres has done so much good for the world,” one fan noted.
Others were impressed by how the celebrity chef handled Trump’s show of power.
“Well, that made Trump look like the fool that he is. Anybody who supports Trump is just as incompetent as him,” a second comment read.
“How embarrassing for Trump…stating someone is fired and they resigned a week ago. Couldn’t someone tell him? This makes Trump look stupid,” a third fan penned.
Although Trump might have tried to disgrace Andreas, it seems the chef had the last laugh.
